This is the first episode of Season 2 of the show, so thank you for coming back for another year and if you're a new listener don't forget to go back and check out all our previous shows.

To open up 2021 we are chatting to Gold Coast Titans halfback Jamal Fogarty! Again, Jamal is a guy Rhys and I grew up playing footy with and he is an absolute champion bloke on and off the field.

Jamal has a really incredible story about his journey to Rugby League success. He had a breakthrough season in 2020 after years of bouncing around clubs and reserve grade trying to get an opportunity. Jamal had to wait more than 1000 days between his second and third games in the NRL. But he never gave up, continually training and pushing himself to one day realise his dream.

But it's also what Jamal did during those 1000 days that illustrates what kind of man he is. While training for and playing semi-professional football, he was also working a full time job as a youth worker trying to improve the lives of disconnected kids on the Gold Coast. A job that while rewarding, can also be very emotionally draining ... and this is all while raising his own family.

You can hear the passion in Jamals voice as he talks about helping others, but then the shy, almost embarrassment when he is asked questions about himself. He's just that kind of humble guy. Throughout the chat we also cover his debut selection in the Indigenous Allstars, his 2020 season which of course includes the now infamous Josh Papalii ankle tap, plus his hopes for the Titans this year and plenty plenty more .

I really hope you enjoy my chat with Jamal Fogarty.